MASON CITY, IA – A dangerous car accident in Mason City last week is now sparking discussion about how items like cellphones, are distracting drivers.

Last Wednesday, a pedestrian was hit by a car after the driver failed to yield to the woman crossing.

Officers say they later discovered that the driver was using a phone while driving.

The teen driver was cited for using the device and today, experts are weighing in on how the high-tech gadgets can cause major issues behind the wheel.

“You got the devices, they’re really fun to use, they really help you, but the car companies now have to implement it into the system so they do them automatically and we don’t have to,” said Mike Ghere, Driving Instructor with Drive Pro in Clear Lake.

Ghere notes that even though we all want to experiment with these devices and use them to help make our lives more convenient, we must think of safety first.

“They want to sell the cars so they use all the high-tech, GPS, gauges that show that your tires are low and levels are good. Problem is it takes your eyes off the road on to the instruments and actually your eyes need to be up there on the road,” said Ghere.

Meanwhile, Mason City Police say that charges are still pending about the pedestrian accident.